This update is really more to share some thoughts on this mission. I have happily seen in the month the power of public opinion in forcing the CEO of a large catering company being forced to resign for abusing a dog in his care. It made me happy to see so many people get involved to speak for that voiceless dog and the abuse he endured. However, that also leads to my frustration with the State of New York around the treatment of the dogs at Marjorie’s Kennel. This is a puppy mill that is on the HSUS list of 100 worst puppy mills in the US. The State of NY has gotten a lot of good press in the last two years for passing laws that provide more protection for dogs in puppy mills and should lead to the shuttering of these horrible places. In reality, in trying to free the 50+ Keeshonden and other breeds from her abuse, we have found that the laws have no teeth to them and appear to just allow the passing of responsibility from one group to another with no positive results. The NY Dept of Ag and Markets has the responsibility of inspecting the puppy mills to make sure they are compliant with the law. The same inspectors are used every time and have a relationship with the owner and/or her associates. The inspection reports are not consistent, noting a structural failure one month, saying it is fixed the next month and two months later saying the same issue is failing. For example broken concrete and rusted fences on the kennel. Concrete does not break, get replaced and break again in a 6 month span but this is what the reports show. The inspections show that the dogs are all in good health and getting exercise per the requirements of Charlotte’s Law and when we write to Dr. David Smith, Richard Ball or other members of their team, we are told that if we have been on the premises and see something different to let them know. They know that we can’t get on the premises as Marjorie does not allow anyone but the inspectors on site. My deepest frustration on this point is that we rescued 60 dogs from that horrible place last winter. · Everyone of the dogs were so matted in dirt, urine and feces that transporters had to drive with open windows in winter temps to be able to stand the stench. The inspectors say she is compliant for cleanliness. · Most of the dogs were so weak in their back legs that they could not run or jump. The inspectors say she is complaint with an exercise requirements that say the dogs must get regular exercise and play activities. · Most of the dogs had parasites and mange that required veterinary intervention. The inspectors say she is compliant with regular veterinary care. · Many of the females over the age of 2 have severe knee and hip deformities even though the law says that breeding can’t occur if dogs have known hereditary issues. Again she is found compliant on all but structural issues. · One dog had to have a toe amputated due to frost bite damage, one dog (a small puppy) was badly burned by a heat lamp. The inspectors see no violations around protection from extremes of heat and cold. · Many of the dogs had bite injuries. The inspectors see no issues with keeping many dogs caged together 24 hours a day with communal food and water receptacles If you are accused of theft and the stolen items are found in your possession, you will be convicted even though no one saw you take them. It appears that in the State of NY, injured and sick dogs that came out of a puppy mill are not evidence of non-compliance. The State of NY does not consider evidence unless they see it on the premises. I ask, if 60 dogs came out of that prison and all were injured or sick in some form, how can inspectors go on to the premises and see none of the issues that caused these results. We have a petition with 14,000 signatures and getting more every day, we have written to the Governor, to the Attorney General, to the Commissioner of Ags and Market, to the State Veterinarian, and to State Senators and Assemblyman. None of them is willing to step up for this cause. Since we are not allowed on site at this horrendous puppy mill, we can’t post videos of the horrific conditions these dogs endure. I ask all of you to help us, to continue to pressure the State of NY, to get the media to take notice. I go to bed every day, praying that someone with the power to free those dogs will step up and help them. Please help us to help them. ‪#‎freethekees‬